Imperial - VII 6

Rina was sitting on a bench placed outside the mansion.

Even though it's getting warmer, it's still going to be cold at night.

You're absolutely right. Dressing warmly was the perfect choice. Thank you for coming.

She draped a robe over herself and held a warm drink.

They seem unusually formal all of a sudden.

Mr. Tarou, aren't we being a nuisance?

"Trouble? Not at all. No problem."

Really? Are you sure? Really sure!?

She leaned in close, visiting him suddenly.

"What's wrong all of a sudden?"

"I feel so heavy-hearted whenever I think you're going back to the battlefield. But I also feel heavy-hearted thinking about my brother. These past few days, I couldn't even talk about him. It's unbearable—knowing that the only way I can help my brother is by sending you to war... I feel so useless, so ashamed..."

She was unusually downcast.

"It's alright. Don't worry."

"EH?"

"There's no concrete proof or anything, but please, rest assured! I... am not weak."

It felt awkward not finishing the sentence.

Lina's eyes widened, frozen in place.

"That's right. Lord Taro is strong. I'm sorry for losing my composure. What am I even doing?"

Blushing, Lina lowered her head in embarrassment.

"Lord Taro, I ask once again that you look after my younger brother. I am prepared to accept him, no matter what form he may take."

"What do you mean, 'no matter what form'? Don't say things like that."

"No, we're at war. We must be ready for anything....Actually, to be honest, I might not be able to bear this emotional burden unless I've mentally prepared myself in advance. It's like a spell of protection."

How hollow and meaningless such a spell must be...

After spending my whole life confined within the mansion, finally able to step outside, and now war breaks out—forcing me into a life of fleeing...

"Rina, isn't this kind of life always hard for you?"

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard. But I still feel fortunate. Back then, I always thought I'd die by tomorrow, so now I don't even want to die."

"I see. Then that's good... I guess..."

"It's all thanks to you, Taro-san. You're the one who rescued me... Wait! Could you come a bit closer, Taro-san?"

"？ Alright."

As Taro leaned in toward Lina, she too leaned forward.

Naturally, their lips met.

"This isn't a joke. Please come back safely."

Lina quickly retreated back into the mansion.

Stunned and unable to comprehend what had just happened, he remained frozen in place for a while.

The next day, Lina acted as if nothing had happened.

In contrast, I was confused and flustered by yesterday's events.

By morning, the security detail we had requested from Fujiwara Corporation had arrived.

As planned, it was the former deputy leaders.

They had been unable to travel around various regions due to the war's aftermath.

"If you're here, it's a great relief."

The deputy leader stepped forward.

"We happened to have just finished our work, so it's convenient for us."

"That's good. When the escort mission is completed, we'll pay you an additional reward."

"Sorry about that. Oh, right—become a noble, won't you? Be our trading partner."

"Please make it affordable."

While chatting casually, they began preparing for departure.

Gradually, all members arrived, and by just before noon, everything was completely ready.

"Alright, we don't know how long this stable situation will last. Let's push forward as much as we can today."

Having gained everyone's agreement, they double-checked the plan.

Today, they would advance all the way to the mountain separating the Empire and the Kingdom.

They would travel the same way they did when returning from the Kingdom—flying through the sky.

After that, they would move across land and enter the battlefield.

Once inside the battlefield, the priority would be gathering information.

A configuration featuring a single cargo platform attached to a magic four-wheeled vehicle, specially modified with fixed bars to enable flight.

Noel, Alek, myself, and Coil—particularly skilled at gathering intelligence—board this vehicle.

Just before departure, Rin approaches.

"Mr. Taro, please look after my younger brother."

"Yeah, I'll definitely bring him back. So please stay calm and wait—don't take any risks. Above all, don't use your magic stone!"

"I won't push myself anymore, I promise."

"Come on, Taro, let's go!"

Called by Noel, I climb into the magi-four-wheeler.

Immediately activating the magic, the vehicle lifts into the air.

By the second time, it's become second nature—I effortlessly hover the vehicle.

As scheduled, we flew and arrived at the foothills on the imperial side.

Noel, who was experiencing flight for the first time, remained cheerful throughout.

Coil, fearful of heights, seemed hesitant and uneasy.